I appointed Mr Remy Farrell, Senior Counsel as the independent facilitator for the Children’s Health Ireland Inquiry into Spina Bifida and Complex Scoliosis Services Scoping Exercise. I remain committed to supporting the facilitation process and encourage all stakeholders to engage fully with the facilitator as his work continues.
The scoping exercise is considering existing information, consulting with stakeholders, seeking to avoid duplication with other relevant reports or statutory processes and will make recommendations regarding the scope, breadth and format of an inquiry and the content of potential terms of reference.
Work commenced on Tuesday 3 March 2026 initially running for up to 16 weeks. The facilitator wrote to me last week requesting an extension to conduct his scoping exercise, in particular, to attempt to further reengage with stakeholders. I granted this request until 18th August. The facilitator has engaged with a number of patient advocate groups, CHI and HSE management, and the Department of Health.
Under the Terms of Reference, the Facilitator wrote to the me requesting that Hip Dysplasia be included as part of his terms and this has been agreed.
Once the scoping exercise is complete, further Government approval will be sought for the final terms of reference. The inquiry will form a part of the wider reflection on paediatric services in CHI.
